Here at Liverpool Property Solutions, we have a wide range of properties that are perfect for first-time buyers so we thought we’d produce a list of the six essential questions every first-time buyer needs to ask before they purchase!

Though it can be a touchy subject, when it comes to buying your first home you must ask yourself, just how much can you afford? And that brings with it a host of subsequent questions: How much can you afford to put down as a deposit? How much will you need to borrow? What monthly mortgage fee can you afford? And in the worst-case scenario, of losing your job or being unable to work for a period of time, can you keep up those payments?

Answering these questions before you start your property search, you’ll ensure you’re not left with a broken heart after finding that your dream home is just too expensive.

Why are they selling?

So, you’ve found your perfect house it’s got everything you want, but why has the seller put it on the market if it’s so perfect? It might be as a simple as the seller and their family have out grown it, they may need to downsize as the kids have grown up and flown the nest, or it might be that it’s being sold by relatives after a family member has passed away. But it could also be because there is something wrong with the property or the area, so it’s always worth asking why the property is on the market? And following up with a couple of these other questions.

How long has the property been on the market?

If the house you’re viewing has been on the market for a while then it could suggest that something is potentially wrong with the property and needs further investigating, or it could be that the seller has the property priced too high, which means they will probably be willing to negotiate on your offer.

Don’t be afraid to really look around

If there are any concerns about the property (and even if there isn’t) you shouldn’t be afraid to ask if you can look behind the furniture, in those top cupboards and anywhere cracks, damp and potential repairs could be lurking.

What is the area like?

If you’re thinking of buying a house it’s worth knowing what the area is like. Is the road outside busy? What are the neighbours like? What local amenities are nearby? It’s also worth driving past the property and through the area at various times of the day and in different weather conditions to give you a better feel of both the property and the area.

Will I be happy here?

This might be the most important question you can ask yourself when you’re looking to buy your first home. Purchasing your first property is a massive step, so making sure you can see yourself living in the property and that you can be happy both in the property and its location is key. So, before you decide to make any offer, take a second to think if you’ll be happy there.